A Temporal Trust (The Temporal Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

ground and against a large oak tree. Once Ian’s head was safely resting against the trunk, Marcus leaned in, hovering over the jagged shape of Ian.
    “I’m sorry son, but I cannot allow you to harm them.”
    “Ma...Marc...” Ian’s sudden motion sent his face falling to the ground before Marcus could catch him.
    “Do not speak. The effects are temporary, but it will take some time to regain your speech and motor skills.”
    Marcus looked around to make sure they were alone.
    “I will only say this once. Do not second guess me. I will not allow insubordination. The president has given me direct authority in this matter. Anything you do falls back on me. Do you understand?”
    Ian was looking away from the old man. The half of his face that was not in dirt had a stream of spittle falling from an opened mouth. With great effort, he was able to make a slight nod.
    “Good. I know your anger. It is strong within me as well. These creatures meant Suteko harm. I am not so unfeeling to be unaffected by that. However, it would be in our interest to allow these three to return to Kaileen unmolested.”
    Seeing Ian’s hands move, the old man went down on one knee. He cradled Ian’s head and helped him sit up. Ian was able to brace himself with his two arms behind him.
    “If you want to harm them,” the old man continued while Ian was regaining some strength, “the best way to accomplish that is to let them go back. Kaileen will not tolerate failure. But more importantly, if they return to her, she will discover that we know her plan, and that we are ready to and have the ability to thwart it. Your actions, which led to one escaping, may have been a blessing in disguise. She will have to be careful. This may slow her down and give us the time we need.”
    “Marcus.” Ian spoke slowly and with a heavy slur. He still couldn’t feel his tongue. “Apologies.”
    Ian stood, leaning heavily on the trunk of the tree to help himself up. Marcus nodded, turned away from Ian, and reentered the building to release his prisoners.
     

     
    Seeing Marcus return, Catherine ran out of the building. Marcus tried to stop her, but she ignored his protest. She ran to Ian and threw her arms around him, nearly knocking him down again.
    “Oh, Ian. Are you all right?”
    He pushed her away. His former strength had not yet returned, but it was enough to knock her down. “Don’t touch me.”
    “You have to control your anger,” snapped Catherine as she jumped back up and wiped the dirt from her arms.
    “They were there to kill her.”
    “Suteko—it is always about Suteko. Why can’t you see that she is not good for you?”
    Ian’s face was burning. He turned his head to quell his anger. He was angry at the Nephloc spies, angry at Suteko, angry at Marcus, and all that anger blinded Ian to the one person who cared for him.
    “Don’t be a fool—she’s never loved you. I confronted her once. That’s right. I never told you, but she swore that she had never had any feelings for you. Never. Ian, she did something to you. You are under her spell. Wake up to those who truly love you.”
    Ian shifted his stance but remained silent. Catherine didn’t dare approach or touch him again, but seeing his dejected and hurt eyes, her heart melted. Every ounce of her being wanted to wrap her arms around him, kiss him, and tell him it would be all right.
    “I love you, Ian.” The words just slipped out.
    Outwardly, Ian showed no reaction to Catherine’s confession. After a few moments with his head down in silence, Ian turned and hobbled off, moving into the darkness away from the light of the building. Catherine fell to her knees, sobbing.

Chapter Four
    “Yes, sir. We are on the train now.” The old man held the phone tightly to his cheek. He had a finger stuck in the other ear, attempting to block out some of the click-clack and other noises ever present when traveling by train. Over the many centuries that he had walked the earth, he’d had